Birth of Filipino: Nationalism
Birth of Filipino: Nationalism
Nationalism
Group Members:
Falcasantos, Rica Amor R.
Hablan, Clarysse Faith M.
Macavinta, Anezka Joy E.
Malangis, Sygi Evanne
Submitted to:
Reynante Casiro
September 2024
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The birth of Filipino nationalism can be traced to various social, economic, and political
developments during the 19th century, especially when the Philippines became more integrated
into global commerce, therefore exposing the country to new ideas and ideals. This period saw
significant changes that shaped the Filipino identity and desire for independence, culminating in
the rise of nationalism by the end of the century.
The opening of the Philippines to world commerce transformed the country’s economy,
bringing in new wealth and opportunities for the middle class (clase media) to emerge. This new
social class, composed of educated Filipinos and local entrepreneurs, became influential in
spreading nationalist ideas. In line with this, exposure to European liberalism, especially under the
leadership of Spanish governor Carlos Maria de la Torre, introduced Filipinos to concepts like
freedom, equality, and democracy, further fueling nationalist sentiments under the colonial regime.
This growing sense of Filipino identity was, at the same time, a response to the social
injustices and racial discrimination experienced by the native population. The conflict between
Spanish regular clergy and Filipino secular clergy was another significant factor. When local
priests sought to have more control over parishes, the Spanish friars resisted and instead
encroached their authority. This is just one of the many unequal treatment experienced by Filipinos
in their own country.
The aforementioned factors such as commerce, the rise of the clase media, European
liberalism, racial discrimination, and regular secular conflicts merged to inspire a growing
movement for reform and independence.
INTRODUCTION
BODY
Filipino Nationalism
Nationalism, as a modern concept, emerged during the 18th-century French Revolution,
emphasizing a collective identity among people sharing a common language, traditions, and
geography. Defined by Louis L. Snyder, nationalism fosters a sense of unity within a specific
group. By the 19th century, this concept began influencing the Philippines through European ideas
and trade, setting the stage for the rise of Filipino nationalism.
Louis Snyder defines nationalism as the aspiration of nations expressed through shared ideals
and collective goals. He particularly emphasizes that Filipino nationalism began to take shape
during the Spanish Colonial Period. According to Snyder, factors such as the rise of a common
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religion, international trade, and social positions contributed to the emergence of nationalism.
While Snyder's definition captures some important aspects of the rise of Filipino nationalism, it is
necessary to expand his view, as it simplifies the complex origins of national consciousness in the
Philippines.
Snyder’s emphasis on the Spanish colonial era as the sole period in which Filipino nationalism
developed is correct in highlighting the significant impact of colonialism. However, this
perspective overlooks the fact that Filipino nationalism was not just a byproduct of Spanish
influence. As Kundra (2019) reflects, nationalism and national identity are dynamic concepts
shaped by multiple factors, including race, language, religion, and political aspirations. In the
Philippine context, nation-building is an ongoing and multifaceted process, heavily influenced by
the country's diverse culture, history, and colonial experiences.
The contributions of key figures such as Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. Del Pilar, and Andres
Bonifacio during the Spanish period were undeniably crucial to the rise of Filipino nationalism.
Through their writings, resistance, and leadership, they helped define Filipino identity and foster
unity in the face of colonial oppression. However, as Quibuyen (2002) critically argues, Filipino
nationalism was not simply a reaction to Spanish rule but was also driven by the independent
aspirations of Filipinos themselves. These leaders were actively shaping a national identity that
reflected local values and the distinct socio-political realities of their time. Thus, Snyder's
argument that nationalism was solely shaped by external factors like colonialism fails to account
for the agency of Filipinos in their struggle for self-determination.
Furthermore, Meadows (1970) points out that the resurgence of nationalism in the Philippines
encountered various challenges, such as internal conflicts and the lingering effects of colonial rule.
These divisions often mirrored broader societal rifts, including those based on class, geography,
and ideology. While colonialism undeniably left a legacy of dependence, it is vital to stress that
Filipino nationalism was not purely a product of colonial oppression. As Akmad (2024) said that,
internal factors such as economic changes, education, and secularization also played pivotal roles
in the development of national consciousness. The determination of Filipinos to define their own
identity and future was equally significant and deserves greater emphasis in discussions of
nationalism.
Filipino nationalism was not solely imposed from external forces like Spanish colonialism but
was equally shaped by the actions, ideas, and aspirations of Filipinos themselves. This more
nuanced understanding reveals that nationalism in the Philippines was a complex and evolving
process, driven by both external influences and internal efforts to forge a distinct national identity.
Several factors hindered the growth of Filipino nationalism during Spanish colonial rule.
Before Spanish colonization, the native population lacked a unified national identity. The Spanish
exacerbated this division by using "Filipino" exclusively for Spanish-born individuals and
derogatorily referring to natives as "indios." This system emphasized local identities and hindered
the development of a cohesive national consciousness. Additionally, the Spanish implemented a
"divide et impera" strategy, pitting Filipinos against each other and employing foreign
mercenaries, such as the Macabebes, merdekas from Maluku, and Japanese soldiers, to suppress
uprisings. Technological and military imbalances further weakened resistance, as the Spanish
possessed advanced weaponry like cannons and muskets, while the natives had simpler arms. The
Spanish also co-opted the Filipino principalía by granting them privileges, thereby undermining
collective resistance. Restrictions on movement and coordination, enforced through papeletas de
permiso (travel permits) and cartas de radio (safe-conduct passes), further constrained Filipinos'
ability to organize and resist effectively.
Despite these obstacles, several factors accelerated the rise of Filipino nationalism. In the 19th
century, the spread of liberal ideologies from Europe and America inspired Filipinos, especially
the elite, to seek political change and autonomy. The opening of Manila and other provincial ports
to international trade in 1834 marked a turning point, leading to significant economic growth and
the emergence of a middle class (clase media). The value of Philippine exports rose dramatically,
from ₱4.8 million in 1810 to ₱33.1 million in 1894, although economic instability persisted due to
the devaluation of the Mexican silver peso during the Philippine Revolution in 1896. This growth
was facilitated by the establishment of foreign consulates and the expansion of provincial ports.
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Other key events such as the Cavite Mutiny of 1872, the liberal reforms under Governor-General
Carlos María de la Torre, regular secular conflict, and formation of nationalist groups due to racial
discrimination further fueled the growing desire for independence. Exploring these aspects reveals
how they collectively contributed to the burgeoning nationalist sentiment in the Philippines.
B. Clase Media
The rise of the clase media, or middle class, was also a notable development during this period.
Emerging from economic growth, this class included wealthy native entrepreneurs and mestizos,
who became increasingly politically aware. Social status was displayed through land ownership,
the acquisition of imported goods, and luxury items. Residential choices and material possessions
further reflected their status. In Manila, the social structure was marked by distinctions between
areas such as Intramuros, home to the elite Spanish community, and districts like San Miguel and
Sampaloc, known for their fashionable and elite presence. Extramuros communities, including
Binondo, Quiapo, Tondo, and Parian de los Sangleyes, illustrated Manila’s diverse social fabric
and the varying socio-economic statuses of its inhabitants.
D. Racial Discrimination
Racial discrimination was a prominent consequence of the hierarchical social structure
during the Spanish colonial period, with divisions based primarily on skin color and origin. As
noted by Maria Dolores Elizalde in her article on racial divisions in the Spanish colonial
Philippines, these racial boundaries significantly influenced social dynamics by assigning different
rights, obligations, and opportunities based on skin color. The system favored Spanish-born
individuals, creoles, European Spaniards, Spanish mestizos, native elites, and newly emerged
urban and professional classes. This entrenched racial discrimination played a crucial role in
shaping societal impacts and was instrumental in igniting the Filipino revolutionary movement.
nationhood and “Inang Bayan” for the Motherland, the movement fostered a strong sense of
Filipino identity and drove the revolutionary movement against colonial rule.
a. Secularization Overview
Secularization was intended as the transfer of ministries established or run by regular clergy
which were clergymen mostly Spanish friars that were affiliated to religious orders such as the
Recollects, Dominicans, and Augustinians to seculars which were clergymen that were mostly
native Filipino priests that were not affiliated with any religious order, and were specifically
trained to run parishes (Agoncillo,1990).
c. Dialogue on Secularization
The friars have been profiting from the infamous practice of underestimating the qualifications
and talents of the Filipino clergy in order to establish themselves as perpetual curates in the Islands,
as stated by Father Jose Burgos' in his "Manifesto que a la noble nacion espanola" (1864). He also
portrayed the Archbishop Sancho de Santa Justa y Rufina as "very worthy and wise." A prejudiced
Spanish author claimed that the Filipino is only useful as a subordinate "because of his
idiosyncracies, his character." However, Dr. Luciano P.R. Santiago's academic research disproved
the myths propagated by both Filipino and foreign authors regarding the qualifications of native
Filipino priests, disproving the conventional wisdom that “no native Filipino, or Indio, priest was
ordained before the 1720's” with proof like the existence of the first known indigenous priest, B.D.
Francisco Baluyot (1698), as well as Eurasian and Native American priests who lived earlier in
the seventeenth century, such as B.D. and Don Agustin Tabuyo of Cagayan (1621). Miguel
Jeronimo (1655) from Pampanga (Agoncillo,1990).
d. Secularization
After the Jesuit expulsion in 1768, the seculars in Manila, Cavite, and the Visayas took
control of several Jesuit parishes. The Augustinians filed a protest with the Spanish crown in 1774
when Governor Simon de Anda forcibly took away seventeen parishes in Pampanga and gave them
to Filipino seculars. Because of this, even after the King secularized the parishes with the
stipulation that one or two of the wealthier parishes in each province should stay with the regulars,
Anda was given the responsibility that same year to restore the Pampanga parishes
(Agoncillo,1990).
The complete occupation of recently formed curacies of Santa Rosa by the Dominicans
and Imus and Las Pinas by the Recollects, all belonging to the secular clergy, sparked disputes
between the secular and regular groups. The three Tagalog parishes were swiftly returned to the
seculars by 1803, due to the governor-general's refusal to comply with the ecclesiastical cabildo's
plea to the crown that the parishes remain under the regular clergy in his capacity as vice-regal
patron. Malate had been an Augustinian territory until 1822, when it was assigned to a secular
priest (Agoncillo,1990).
of 1861. which ultimately meant that the already modest number of parishes under the control of
the Filipino seculars would be further reduced. From the viewpoint of the Filipino people, this was
a deliberate tactic by the Spanish government to impede the advancement of the native clergy. A
decade later, only 181 of the 792 curacies were under Filipino control. Parish-grabbing gave rise
to increased clashes between secular and regular clergy in Antipolo and San Rafael, where vacant
parishes left by deceased secular priests were taken (Agoncillo,1990).
As one of the customary May pilgrimage sites, the Antipolo parish, famed for its brown virgin,
was regarded as both "la perla de los Curatos" and "one of the richest parishes in the Archipelago"
because "so numerous valuable gifts were offered in the masses" by her devotees. The Bulacan
parish of San Rafael, which Recollects claimed, was formerly a section of a hacienda that San Juan
de Dios had owned in the eighteenth century. At that time, the only people living there were about
80 Filipino cowtenders and farmers; but, by the time the Augustinians claimed it in 1870, its
income had increased by 13,000 parishoners. There were 792 curacies during this period, of which
611 were held by regulars and 181 by seculars (Agoncillo,1990).
b. The Mutiny
On the night of January 20, 1872, about 200 Filipino soldiers, joined by Arsenal workers,
revolted under the leadership of Sergeant La Madrid. The rebellion began after payday frustrations
over wage cuts. La Madrid was killed when a sack of gunpowder exploded, while the fort
commander was also killed, and his wife wounded. The mutiny was fueled by the unfair treatment
of Filipino soldiers, who faced racial discrimination and received lower pay and poorer rations
than their Spanish counterparts.
CONCLUSION
The topic highlights the emergence of Filipino nationalism as a complex, dynamic
movement shaped by both internal and external forces. Although racial discrimination and
persecution during Spanish colonial rule contributed significantly to the formation of early
nationalist sentiments, outside factors cannot be entirely attributed for the birth of Filipino
nationalism.
Prominent individuals like José Rizal, Marcelo H. Del Pilar, and Andrés Bonifacio played
a pivotal role in creating a unique national identity, motivated by their personal goals and the socio-
political circumstances of their context. Their efforts demonstrate that Filipino nationalism was
both a self-determined process and a response to colonial tyranny, along with the influence of
European liberal concepts, economic developments, and internal divides. Since in addition to
overcoming colonial restrictions, internal strife and regional disparities also had to be overcome
in the fight for a single national identity. As a result, the dynamic interaction between outside
forces and Filipino agency formed Filipino nationalism, which represents a complex and varied
journey to freedom.
BIBLIOGRAPHY